Owning a large home is a challenge, but the biggest challenge is how to maximise every space in the house. For big families with a lot of kids this is the question every day – where do we get more space for storage.
One of the often overlooked spaces in the home is under the stairs. Houses with staircases provide ample space under the steps that oftentimes stays completely unused. The space under the stairs has big potential for storage options, but also some designer ideas.
Read our simple and effective stairs storage ideas.
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Customised or Pre-Made Storage Options: Which Is Better
When you start the process of designing your under-stairs storage, the first question that pops to mind is whether to use pre-made storage options or custom-built ones. The answer is – it all depends on the time and budget of your renovation.
Here you can read all the pros and cons of the two types.
Customised Storage Options
Customised cabinetry and storage options like shelves, for example, are the best way to maximise the empty space under the stairs.
Stairs storage units are designed to fit perfectly into wasted space with all the angles, the depth, and specific measurements of the space under your stairs. This is a long-term investment, because custom-built options are not easy to move afterwards.
From an aesthetic perspective, this is probably the best option if you want to match the rest of the house. You can match the materials, finishes, and style without problem.
If you decide to have customized storage, you have to think on the types of storage you will need. Aim for a good combination between cabinets, drawers and open shelves to achieve an aesthetic look, but also a fully maximized space.
The downside of custom options is that they are very expensive and time-consuming. If your under the stairs storage space is done by craftsmen, it often takes a lot of time to finish the work. That can be costly and seriously influence your budget. On the other hand, custom work is often seen as a premium upgrade to your home, so you will increase the value of your property.
Pre-made Storage Options
Readily available storage solutions are a good way to use the space underneath stairs on a budget. They are generally cheaper and come in a variety of price ranges.
This is also a project you can do yourself. The quick installation of such storage options is also a major plus, because you will not need the help of a professional.
One other pro is that you can move the storage furniture without impacting the surrounding structure.
The major con of this type of build is that pre-made units rarely fit under stairs, leaving unused space and gaps. Matching your home’s design can also prove difficult because of limited aesthetic choices.
Which One Is Better?
Custom storage options are for homeowners who want durability, aesthetics and fully used under the stairs space. That type of homeowners will think more long-term about the renovation process. This is perfect for people with a bigger budget.
Pre-made storage is for DIY enthusiasts and people who want more storage for less money. Its easy to install and maintain. It also gets done faster than custom designs. This is the right choice for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money.
10 Under Stairs Storage Ideas
Deciding on what to do with your understairs storage can be really difficult. Luckily, we have some inspiration for you. Here are our top 10 ideas for under stairs storage.
1. Build a Coat Closet
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This is a perfect place to utilise this dead space under the stairs is by transforming it into a coat closet.
Our pro tip here is to choose custom-made storage furniture for under the stairs. The reason for that is that you can really utilise every inch of the space, so you can add a lot more room to your home. One good way to save space is by installing hooks on the wall for your coats.
You can add a section for hanging clothes, but also don’t forget to add pull out drawers for accessories such as bags, umbrellas, gloves, scarves, etc.
2. Install a Bookshelf
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Installing a bookshelf under your stairs is a no-brainer. This is one of the best spaces in the house to have a bookshelf with floating shelves for your favourite books.
For this idea, it’s best if you use custom-made furniture to create functioning and practical bookshelves. Of course, you can use pre-made storage options available on the market, or do a DIY project.
Depending on how deep the bookcase is, maybe it will be a good idea to install some lighting on the staircase wall. If it’s a DIY project, fairy lights will create a magical space.
3. Create a Shoe Rack
Shoes can be really tough to organise and declutter. Especially in big families, shoe storage is a big problem. That’s why maybe you should think about installing a shoe rack or some other shoe storage under the stairs.
This is a wonderful DIY project, but if you want a really well-organised space, then it’s best to use custom storage furniture. That way, you can really use every inch of the space in the best possible way.
Make sure to add some cabinetry in the available space to put away seasonal shoes like boots.
4. Consider a Laundry Corner
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Depending on where the staircase is located, you can make a laundry corner. If the staircase is in the back of the house, this is probably the best option for the space under the stairs.
A space dedicated to laundry is a good way to declutter your house. You can put your washing machine and dryer under the stairs. There are custom build options available on the market, so you can add some cabinets or shelves surrounding the appliance for a more organized look.
5. Set Up a Pantry
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Some homeowners think pantries are a thing of the past, but we don’t agree. Making a pantry under the stairs is one of the best ways to use the space.
Depending on the size, you can choose either custom-built storage options or store-bought ones. Make sure to add a lot of built in shelves of different heights. This way, you can store away more food and cans in different sizes.
Adding a door will close off the space and create a more unified look with the rest of the house.
6. Design a Utility Closet
The space under the stairs is more frequently used as a utility closet. The main problem with this is that it can become really cluttered.
If you want to design a utility closet, think of how you are going to store all the necessary cleaning utilities you need around the house. Make sure you have enough cabinets for a more organised extra storage.
You can add a running water tap in the space under the stairs for quick cleaning access.
7. Develop a Home Office Space
A more modern twist on the under stairs space is creating a practical home office space. In recent times people need only a laptop and a small desk to be productive at home, so using this small space for the perfect home office is a very good idea.
You can add shelves and cabinets to store important documents and work-related items. Add a built-in desk to create a modern look. You can use various decorative accessories to make the space look unified with the rest of the house.
For the perfect office space, make sure you don’t forget the lights. Under the stairs, the space can be really dark, so you need to think of how to add lighting.
8. Fit a Toy Storage Unit
For families with children, it’s a real challenge keeping the house organised and decluttered. Oftentimes, little ones leave the designated play areas created in the home and leave toys everywhere. If this is your daily struggle, creating a storage unit for toys is a very good idea.
Here, custom-built options for additional storage work best for kids toys. On one hand, you can use all the space under the stairs. On the other – it creates a more seamless look with the rest of the house.
9. Dedicate a Reading Spot
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If you love reading, then you are probably constantly searching for the best reading spot in the house. Why not create one? Under the stairs is the perfect space to do that.
To make the reading spot of your dreams, consider adding a day bed, a small sofa or an armchair in the space under the stairs. A day bed is the best option, because you can custom build it to fit perfectly in the space.
Add open shelving for your favourite books and reading accessories. If you don’t have natural light, make sure to add good lighting, so you don’t exhaust your eyes. Adding soft cushions and blankets will create a magical space worthy of every Harry Potter fan to spend countless hours between the pages of their favourite book.
10. Build a Pet Nook
If you are a pet owner, the space under the stairs can be a really comfortable designated spot for your pet.
You can add the bed of your favourite pet under the stairs, along with bowls for food and water. That way, they won’t clutter your home. Add all your pet’s favourite toys to make the space look as inviting as possible.
General Tips on Maximising the Under Stairs Space
Maximising the space under the stairs is often very challenging. Often, it’s dark, small and unwelcoming.
Here are some pro tips on how to use every inch of that space:
- Choose custom-built furniture – custom-built storage options and furniture work best for the space under the stairs. The reason is that way they will fit perfectly in the existing nook.
- Make sure to add a door – if you have an option to add a door, do it. No matter what type of function you choose for your under stairs space, this way you can close off any existing clutter.
- Add build in lighting – you will have little space to work with from the start, so big lamps and chandeliers are off the list. Add build in lighting to create a more unified and modern look.
- Don’t cover the structure of the stairs permanently – depending on the design of your home, the structure of the stairs may be visible. Leave it like that so you can do fast inspections of the structure of the stairs.
But the most important thing of all is to try to create a space under the stairs that is your own. Add character to every project you do around the house. To make it fit seamlessly into the overall design of your home, transfer your style even there. This is the best way to make any type of project work.
If you don’t know what to do, you can always enlist the help of an interior designer. That way, you will be sure that the space under the stairs is practical and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do a DIY project for the space under the stairs?
The under stairs space is perfect for your next DIY. There are practical ideas online on how to transform the space and utilise it to the maximum.
What is the most important thing to consider when building a reading nook under the stairs?
The most important thing to consider is lighting. Under the stairs, the space can be really dark, and you need light to read.
What is the biggest pro of custom-built storage options?
The biggest pro of custom build storage options for under the stairs space is that way you can utilize every inch of the space.
